Latest news with #DanielCopley
Daily Record
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Former Scottish industrial hub named UK's best place to buy a cottage
The region located just near Glasgow topped the list, which found that cottages in the area are typically priced at just £83,500. A former industrial hub in central Scotland has been named the most affordable place in the UK to buy a cottage, as interest in countryside living and cosy rural homes continues to grow. North Lanarkshire, located just east of Glasgow, topped a new ranking by property site Zoopla, which found that cottages in the area are typically priced at just £83,500. The area includes towns such as Motherwell, Wishaw, Airdrie, Coatbridge and Cumbernauld, places not traditionally associated with romantic cottage life, but now offering some of the best value for money in Britain, Scottish Daily Express reports. According to Zoopla, the word 'cottage' was the fourth most-searched term on its website in 2024, suggesting a surge in interest for more quaint and character-filled homes. With the rising cost of living and growing interest in the so-called 'cottagecore' aesthetic, buyers are increasingly drawn to smaller, more manageable properties set in rural or semi-rural surroundings. Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, said: 'Our data shows a clear and sustained appetite for the cottagecore lifestyle, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. 'While the dream of a quaint, rural cottage is often associated with high prices, our analysis highlights that affordability can still be found across the country. "From the rolling hills of North Lanarkshire to the coastal charm of Sunderland, there are options for prospective buyers on a range of budgets. 'We're seeing this desire for a simpler life translate into market demand, with specific areas becoming hotspots for buyer interest. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for a change of pace, the cottage market offers diverse opportunities.' Cottages, while not strictly defined, are generally considered to be smaller and more rustic than traditional homes. Many are situated outside major urban centres, appealing to buyers looking to escape the hustle of city life. While North Lanarkshire was the most affordable area in the UK, East Lothian, just east of Edinburgh, ranked as the most expensive Scottish region for cottage buyers, with properties typically costing around £381,000. East Renfrewshire, south of Glasgow, also stood out in the study. It attracted the highest concentration of buyer interest in Scotland while still offering relatively good value for money, with average cottage prices around £100,000. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Nigel Bishop, founder of buying agency Recoco Property Search, said: 'There has always been a fan base of buyers who appreciate the typically charming designs and quaint surroundings associated with a cottage. 'Many house hunters also express favouring this style of home for size, as cottages tend to be smaller than typical country homes and are therefore considered to be more manageable and could reduce running costs. 'Often set in rural locations, buyers need to ensure that the setting works for them long term, as some amenities such as shops and hospitals can be further away which can become inconvenient. "Demand for cottages remains strong, however, and house hunters should brace for a competitive property search, particularly for cottages with a lower asking price as they tend to attract multiple offers.'
Daily Mail
06-08-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Where can you buy a cottage for just £83,000? Survey reveals best and worst areas for those seeking to buy a rural hideaway
For those dreaming of a cosy life tucked away in the countryside, new research reveals exactly where in Britain you can bag a charming cottage without breaking the bank. According to a new analysis by property website Zoopla, North Lanarkshire in Scotland tops the list as the most affordable place in the UK to buy a cottage, with typical asking prices averaging just £83,500. Sunderland in the North East of England came in second, with average prices around £115,000, making it another budget-friendly option for buyers yearning for a rural escape without sky-high price tags. The surge in demand for cottage living has been fuelled in part by the continued popularity of the so-called 'cottagecore' trend - a romanticised aesthetic that celebrates simple living, nature, and traditional skills. And it's not just about the lifestyle - some house hunters might be picturing themselves in a home like the one in the much-loved romcom The Holiday, starring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. Zoopla confirmed that 'cottage' was the fourth most-searched term on its site in 2024, reflecting the enduring appeal of rustic charm and countryside serenity. Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, said: 'Our data shows a clear and sustained appetite for the cottagecore lifestyle, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. 'While the dream of a quaint, rural cottage is often associated with high prices, our analysis highlights that affordability can still be found across the country. 'From the rolling hills of North Lanarkshire to the coastal charm of Sunderland, there are options for prospective buyers on a range of budgets. 'We're seeing this desire for a simpler life translate into market demand, with specific areas becoming hotspots for buyer interest. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for a change of pace, the cottage market offers diverse opportunities.' Other affordable areas identified include East Renfrewshire in Scotland, where the average price for a cottage stands at £100,000. Meanwhile, Blackburn with Darwen in the North West of England is a growing hotspot, with prices averaging £157,500, and rising buyer inquiries, according to Zoopla. In Wales, Neath Port Talbot, known for its stunning coastline and valley scenery, boasts an average cottage price of £170,000, while Bradford in West Yorkshire draws in buyers with its rich cultural heritage and homes priced around £200,000. But for those with deeper pockets aiming to settle further south, Southampton leads the way in the South East, with cottages fetching a median average price of £280,000. When it comes to variety, Derbyshire Dales offers the widest choice, with cottages making up over one in five homes (21.4 percent) currently on the market. Property experts say part of the enduring appeal lies in more than just looks - smaller cottages tend to be easier to maintain and potentially cheaper to run. Nigel Bishop, founder of buying agency Recoco Property Search, explained: 'There has always been a fan base of buyers who appreciate the typically charming designs and quaint surroundings associated with a cottage.' 'Many house hunters also express favouring this style of home for size as cottages tend to be smaller than typical country homes and are therefore considered to be more manageable and could reduce running costs.' 'Often set in rural locations, buyers need to ensure that the setting works for them long term, as some amenities such as shops and hospitals can be further away which can become inconvenient.' 'Demand for cottages remains strong, however, and house hunters should brace for a competitive property search — particularly for cottages with a lower asking price as they tend to attract multiple offers.' The findings are based on an analysis of homes listed for sale between January and May 2025, with London largely excluded from the data due to its consistently high prices and urban focus. Here are the areas where cottages are typically the least expensive, according to Zoopla: East Midlands, Amber Valley, £206,000 East of England, Fenland, £249,000 North East, Sunderland, £115,000 North West, Blackburn with Darwen, £157,500 Scotland, North Lanarkshire, £83,500 South East, Southampton, £280,000 South West, Plymouth, £248,500 Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf, £129,500 West Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, £238,000 Yorkshire and the Humber, Bradford, £200,000 Here are the areas where cottages are typically the most expensive, according to Zoopla: East Midlands, South Northamptonshire and Gedling, £400,000 East of England, Welwyn Hatfield, £662,500 North East, Northumberland, £300,000 North West, Cheshire West and Chester, £375,000 Scotland, East Lothian, £381,000 South East, Slough, £824,500 South West, Gloucester, £531,500 Wales, Monmouthshire, £442,500 West Midlands, North Warwickshire, £615,000 Yorkshire and the Humber, York, £400,000 Here are the areas where cottages are attracting the biggest concentrations of buyer inquiries, according to Zoopla:
The National
06-08-2025
- Business
- The National
North Lanarkshire tops list for best place in Britain to buy a cottage
While the 'cottagecore' aesthetic that romanticises rural life and encourages simple living has surged in popularity due to social media trends in recent years, people have been inspired to find their own cottage home. Analysis by the property website, Zoopla, has pinpointed locations across Britain where home buyers are most likely to snap one up at a bargain price. Zoopla said that 'cottage' was the fourth most-searched for term on its website in 2024. READ MORE: Peer urged UK ministers to crack down on Palestine Action at request of US arms firm Among those aiming for a lifestyle brimming with bucolic bliss, the analysis reveals where this is translating into market demand for cottages. It is good news for Scots as North Lanarkshire topped Zoopla's affordability list, with a cottage typically priced at £83,500. Other areas in Scotland which attracted significant attention included East Renfrewshire, where a cottage has an average asking price of £100,000, Zoopla said. Daniel Copley, a consumer expert at Zoopla, said the property firm has seen a desire for a simpler life translate into market demand as some areas have become 'hotspots' for potential cottage buyers. He said: 'Our data shows a clear and sustained appetite for the cottagecore lifestyle, a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. 'While the dream of a quaint, rural cottage is often associated with high prices, our analysis highlights that affordability can still be found across the country. From the rolling hills of North Lanarkshire to the coastal charm of Sunderland, there are options for prospective buyers on a range of budgets. 'We're seeing this desire for a simpler life translate into market demand, with specific areas becoming hotspots for buyer interest. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking for a change of pace, the cottage market offers diverse opportunities.' Zoopla analysed homes available for sale between January and May 2025, with London generally excluded. Where are the least expensive areas for cottages across Britain? Here are the areas in regions and nations of Britain where cottages are typically the least expensive, according to Zoopla. The figures show the median average asking price for a cottage: East Midlands, Amber Valley, £206,000 East of England, Fenland, £249,000 North East, Sunderland, £115,000 North West, Blackburn with Darwen, £157,500 Scotland, North Lanarkshire, £83,500 South East, Southampton, £280,000 South West, Plymouth, £248,500 Wales, Rhondda Cynon Taf, £129,500 West Midlands, Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, £238,000 Yorkshire and the Humber, Bradford, £200,000 Where are the most expensive areas for cottages across Britain? Here are the areas in regions and nations of Britain where cottages are typically the most expensive, according to Zoopla. The figures show the median average asking price for a cottage: East Midlands, South Northamptonshire and Gedling, £400,000 East of England, Welwyn Hatfield, £662,500 North East, Northumberland, £300,000 North West, Cheshire West and Chester, £375,000 Scotland, East Lothian, £381,000 South East, Slough, £824,500 South West, Gloucester, £531,500 Wales, Monmouthshire, £442,500 West Midlands, North Warwickshire, £615,000 Yorkshire and the Humber, York, £400,000 Where are most people looking to buy cottages across Britain? Here are the areas in each region or nation where cottages are attracting the biggest concentrations of buyer inquiries, according to Zoopla, with the median average asking price of a cottage:
Daily Mail
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Got an electric car? Buyers can now search for homes with an EV charger - and where drivers can plug in locally
Electric car drivers can now find properties online that make charging headache-free, thanks to new features introduced by property search giant Zoopla. Zoopla has brought in new search criteria where buyers and renters can filter homes to include only those with home charging, and find the nearest on-street chargers to properties. British car maker Vauxhall and the property portal have teamed up to help drivers find the perfect home, after Vauxhall research found 40 per cent of UK motorists said proximity to EV charging will be an influential factor when they next move house. EV ownership is continuing to rise in Britain with 1.55 million cars on our roads now fully electric, according to the latest data from EV charging point app ZapMap. And yet Zoopla's analysis of all listings on its site in 2025 found that just 1.6 per cent explicitly mentioned EV charging. That is despite the latest figures from The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders showing that one-in-four new car buyers is now going electric, with the number of EVs registered up by over 34 per cent compared to the same time last year. Vauxhall suggested property agents may be missing an opportunity to demonstrate a feature of a house or flat that is becoming increasingly vital for customers. Zoopla's EV-friendly search criteria features will help EV drivers who need access to charging where they live - whether in a flat or a house - and is the latest move in Vauxhall's Electric Streets of Britain campaign. Visitors to the Zoopla website and app can now filter properties to only show those with an EV home charger. They can also locate the closest public charging point to a property thanks to map and location data provided by Octopus Electroverse. Similar to how Zoopla currently displays information regarding the closest schools and train stations, the website and app will now also display information on the distance between a home and nearest public charging point across property listings. Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, said: 'We're proud to be the first property website to offer consumers the ability to find the nearest on-street chargers to a property, and filter properties with home-charging. 'Buyer requirements are constantly evolving as a result of factors like lifestyle changes and commuting patterns. By improving Zoopla's search functionality, our aim is that we will empower more confident moving decisions, particularly for current and future EV owners.' Vauxhall's poll of 2,000 people found that a third of respondents admit a lack of accessible EV charging would actually deter them from moving into a specific property - a figure that rises to a massive 84 per cent for electric car owners. And more than half of respondents to Vauxhall's research said they would find it useful if property websites showed the proximity of the nearest on-street EV charging points for individual listings. As average UK homeowners stay in their property for around 17 years, homes being purchased today will take buyers well beyond the introduction of the forthcoming ban of new petrol and diesel car sales in 2030 for the vast majority of movers. Steve Catlin, managing director at Vauxhall, said: 'Moving house is one of the biggest decisions most of us make in our lifetime, and anyone who's done it knows how much effort can go into finding the perfect home. 'As EVs become an even more common sight on our roads, more and more people will be prioritising charging access when thinking about where to live.' Can you install an EV charger if you're renting? This time last year This is Money was asked about EV charger installation if people are renting a property or planning to move. Tenants shouldn't do this without getting permission from their landlord first. However, if they are willing, getting your landlord to install an electric car charger will not only make charging your EV much easier and less expensive, but could also add value to the property. According to the Open Property Group, the addition of an home charger will add around 1.7 per cent to the value of a property, which translates to £4,840 (based on the average house price of £284,691). If a tenant is able to liaise with a landlord and get a written agreement drawn up, then it could benefit both parties. Will dictate house prices in the future? We asked EV charger provider Cord if chargers will add value to property. It said that generally a charger will add value, but a person might have a particular charging brand they use and won't want to move to a house with a different charger. Cord said they don't see this as a big risk in the future because there is a lot of standardisation across chargers. While some extra features might be exclusive to certain brands most modern chargers can charge cars well and features like off-peak tariffs are becoming more standard. Much more important to most EV drivers is the availability of off-street parking. Cord told us: 'We definitely do see chargers as adding serious value to homes. And in not too long, homes without chargers will be far harder to let - just like homes without broadband are tough to let currently.'
Scottish Sun
14-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Struggling to sell your house? Boost your property price by £80k with 5 features buyers want, from as little as 55p
Cheap DIY jobs that add value fast – and help attract serious buyers HOME HACKS Struggling to sell your house? Boost your property price by £46k with 5 features buyers want, from as little as 55p Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) If your home's stuck on the market, small DIY tweaks could be the key to unlocking serious value – up to £80,000 in some cases – and you don't need a huge budget to get started. Across the UK, homeowners are turning to budget-friendly upgrades to help attract buyers and push up asking prices. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 With the average cost of moving house rising and the market still unpredictable, homeowners are getting creative Credit: Getty From kitchen fixes to kerb appeal, these clever features are proving popular with house-hunters – and small upgrades, like new cupboard handles starting at just 55p, can make a big difference. Kitchens sell homes – and you don't need a full refit to impress. Just swapping out tired cupboard handles or giving walls a lick of paint could work wonders. Upgrade your kitchen Daniel Copley, Consumer Spokesperson at Zoopla, said: "The explosion of DIY trends on TikTok over the past year has undoubtedly led to an increase in people doing budget renovations. "We know kitchens are a key selling point for many buyers – and the centre of activity in many households – so DIY projects are often focussed on this space. Read more on DI-WOW I gave my council house kitchen a total transformation - my hack saved me thousands "Getting this right can add value and make your home more appealing.' He added in an interview with Magnet: 'Superficial touches, such as replacing broken handles or treating worktops, could give your kitchen a quick update and improve your chances of adding value.' Even updating taps, resealing tiles, or adding stick-on splashbacks can bring your space up to date – and make it stand out in online listings. Swapping out an old kitchen tap can cost as little as £15–£30, depending on the style and finish. Resealing tiles with fresh silicone is another quick win, with sealant tubes priced at around £5–£10 each. For a more noticeable upgrade, stick-on splashbacks – including marble, tile-effect, or stainless steel designs – typically range from £10 to £30, and can completely transform tired kitchen walls in under an hour. Add panelling Panelling is one of the easiest ways to give a room a luxury feel without blowing the budget. Self-adhesive MDF or foam wall panels are widely available and cost between £12 and £60 per wall, depending on size and design. Popular choices include shaker-style and fluted timber-effect panels, often seen in hallways or bedrooms. You'll also need basic tools like a level, saw and adhesive – available from around £5 to £10 – making this one of the most affordable DIY upgrades that adds instant style. Popular in bedrooms and hallways, these DIY kits are now widely available and easy to install. Tool and DIY expert Glen Peskett from Saxton Blades explained: 'We're seeing a big shift toward cosmetic DIY this year, simple jobs that make your home feel more stylish, secure and ready to sell. I turned a derelict, rotten garage that people used as a loo into a stunning two-bedroom home "Many people are surprised how far a small spend can go when you've got the right tools and materials to do it yourself.'pan It's not just for the experts either. Many panels come pre-cut and self-adhesive, meaning you don't need power tools or professional help. Just a spirit level and a spare afternoon. Swap out light switches They're small, but buyers notice them. Old, yellowing switches can instantly date a home, while sleek flatplate alternatives make it feel more modern and put-together. Updating your light switches is a quick, low-effort job with high visual impact. Flatplate designs in black, brushed steel or brass start from just £4–£10 per switch, and are widely stocked by retailers like Toolstation and B&Q. Replacing a handful of tired switches throughout the home can give it a polished, contemporary edge that buyers instantly notice. Glen Peskett continued: "A quick aesthetic win. Swapping out dated white switches for flatplate, black or brushed brass alternatives instantly modernises interiors. "You'd be amazed how much sleeker a space feels with updated switches. It's the kind of detail buyers notice.' This is a quick fix that takes minutes and can be done room-by-room, keeping costs down while freshening up your interiors. EV charging points With more drivers going electric, homes with a charging point are increasingly attractive to buyers. The typical cost to install an electric car charger at home in the UK ranges from £800 to £1200, and whilst the upfront cost might seem steep, the potential payoff is worth it, especially in suburban or commuter areas. A 7kW charger is most common for households, with faster 22kW options costing more. Government grants may also be available to help with installation, depending on your location. Adding an EV point doesn't just future-proof your property – it makes it more desirable to eco-conscious and tech-savvy buyers. Up front cost: £800-1200 House price boost: £3,000 to £5,000 according to the National Association of Property Buyers. Boost curb appeal Cleaning windows, repainting your front door, and adding greenery with potted plants or hanging baskets can make your home more inviting from the moment buyers arrive. Curb appeal, or how your home looks from the street, can increase value by as much as 11 per cent, according to property experts. And you don't need a gardener – even just trimming hedges and clearing the path can make a noticeable difference. In competitive markets, a well-kept exterior can tip the scales in your favour and secure a quicker sale. With the average cost of moving house rising and the market still unpredictable, homeowners are getting creative. These simple, affordable improvements don't just add polish – they could also make or break your sale. And while you don't need to splash out on all five at once, even picking one or two could help your home stand out from the crowd.
